A Toast to The Arts

AMERICAN MOSAIC: A Musical Journey Across Culture & Place

Join us on The Big Daily Blend show for an immersive exploration of American music! This episode celebrates the vibrant tapestry of sounds that tell America's story, diving deep into its profound connections to culture, history, and identity. We'll navigate the diverse landscape of musical genres, uncover how travel shapes our sonic experiences, and examine the powerful legacy of protest songs throughout history. Hear about iconic artists who shaped the American musical landscape and discover how music unites communities and inspires change. Featuring personal stories and reflections on music's ever-evolving nature, this discussion culminates in a celebration of American music's enduring journey.
FEATURED GUESTS:- Johnny Schaefer – Cohost and award-winning singer/songwriter: https://hearjohnny.com/ 
- Kathleen Walls – Travel writer and author: https://americanroads.net/ and https://katywalls.com/ 
LISTEN TO OUR "AMERICAN MOSAIC" MUSIC PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY: https://tinyurl.com/ycck3eyn 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS and RANTS, RAVES & ROCK Podcasts. Explore Big Blend Radio's Network of Shows, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival - Crafting Louisiana

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show features Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Director of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. Held in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana—a destination along the Jefferson Highway—the 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum.
Hear about Louisiana’s rich cultural traditions as showcased through music, crafts, food, and community engagement. The conversation also touches on the role of the Jefferson Highway in regional heritage, the healing power of the arts, and the importance of folk culture in education.
Festival Highlights:- Three stages of music, including performances by:* Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band (zydeco)* Amis du Teche (Cajun)* D.K. Harrell (blues)* Kristyn Harris Band (western swing/yodeling)* Smithfield Fair (roots)* Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (gospel)* The Has Beans (swamp pop)- 80+ traditional crafts vendors showcasing beadwork, quilts, soap, pottery, brooms, folk art, and more.- Red Beans & Rice Cookoff  - Louisiana State Fiddle Championship  - Free dance lessons and interactive sessions with the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe, Thistle Dancers, Classy Steppers, Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers, and more.- Workshops & Presentations: yodeling, son jarocho dancing, musical spoons, Creole architecture, folk dolls, and artist Clementine Hunter.- KidFest & Outdoor Heritage Demos including Dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, and a 19th-century wash day.
More info: https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/folkfest/ Jefferson Highway info: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ Big Blend Radio Network of Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Rachel Mari Kimber’s Desert Soundscape: Birds Follow Dry Riverbed

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast features a follow-up conversation with musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation’s Fall 2024 Artist-in-Residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.
Rachel discusses her new single, “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed,” a soulful piece inspired by the desert landscapes and experiences during her residency. She shares insights into her creative process, the emotional and healing power of music, and how nature—especially the desert—continues to shape her artistry. The conversation explores themes of harmony, community, and the personal connections music evokes.
Rachel also opens up about upcoming projects including an ambient album and a sound healing release, and talks about her work with Black Forest Society and Happy Joy Harmony.
🎵 “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed” is available on all major music platforms including Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and CD Baby.
🎧 Listen to earlier parts of Rachel’s residency journey:https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/musician-rachel-mari-kimber-in-saguaro-national-park/ 
🌐 More about Rachel Mari Kimber:https://rachelmarikimber.com 
🎨 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 

Author Rayne Lacko - The Secret Song of Shelby Rey

As part of Big Blend Radio’s National Family Month programming, award-winning author Rayne Lacko joins us to talk about her upper YA novel "The Secret Song of Shelby Rey." This gritty and emotional coming-of-age story follows a teen navigating the uncertainty of early adulthood through the lens of music, love, addiction, and self-discovery.
In this episode, Rayne explores how music can be a tool for healing, how young people form identity, the role of parents in their journey, and the power of literature to help teens feel less alone.
Learn more: https://raynelacko.com/ 

Author Catharina Steel - Vanishings

Celebrate National Family Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring debut author Catharina Steel who shares the inspiration behind "Vanishings," the first book in The Wythic Wood Mysteries, a middle grade fantasy series. Follow young Tilly’s magical adventure through Clayton Forest and Wythic Woods as she searches for her missing cousin—encountering wizards, creatures, and goblin martial arts known as Gobight along the way.
Catharina talks about her journey to becoming a writer, the power of imagination and escapism, and why stories that inspire curiosity, creativity, and outdoor exploration are more important than ever for young readers.
Learn more at: https://catharinasteel.com/ 

Author Sam Davey - The Chosen Queen

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, author Sam Davey talks about her powerful new novel "The Chosen Queen," a feminist reimagining of the Pendragon prophecy told through the eyes of Igraine—Arthur’s mother and a woman of great strength, wisdom, and influence. Shifting the spotlight from kings and knights to queens and mothers, this is a story about power, destiny, and the women who shaped legend.
Sam shares her inspiration behind the book, how she blends history and myth, and what it’s like to juggle writing with a full-time career at London’s Royal Opera House. She also discusses her deep connection to Arthurian lore, the role of nature and magic in her storytelling, and her commitment to portraying women’s voices in history.
🔹 Highlights:- A fresh feminist perspective on Arthurian legend- Igraine’s journey as a mother, leader, and visionary- The intersection of myth, magic, and historical research- Sam’s path as a writer, and advocate for women’s stories
Learn more at https://www.samdaveyroughmagic.net/ 

The Kissing Playlist: Songs That Connect

Celebrate National Kissing Day with this fun and heartfelt episode of MUSIC TALKS on Big Blend Radio, featuring award-winning musician, producer, and cohost Joey Stuckey.
From the spark of a first kiss to the songs that soundtrack our most romantic moments, this lively conversation dives into the powerful connection between music and intimacy. Joey shares personal stories, reflects on how music shapes relationships, and chats about the evolving nature of romance and the importance of keeping music real. With heart, humor, and some deep thoughts on everything from house concerts to kissing songs, it's a show that hits all the right notes.
🎶 Don’t miss our curated Kissing Songs Spotify Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/yc4dnsxc 
Learn more about Joey Stuckey, the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia – the “Southern Rock Capital of the World” – at https://www.joeystuckey.com. 
This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s popular shows Big Daily Blend, Toast to The Arts, and Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll. Follow the Big Blend Radio Network here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork. 

The Life and Legacy of Artist Fanny Adele Watson (1873-1947)

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick shares the remarkable life and legacy of Fanny Adele Watson (1873–1947), a pioneering American artist whose work—especially her landscapes and depictions of national parks—stood out in a male-dominated art world.
The conversation explores Watson’s unique artistic voice, her influences, and the historical context of her career. Victoria also emphasizes the importance of preserving art and recognizing the vital contributions of women artists throughout history, as well as how travel and natural beauty have inspired generations of painters.
🖼️ Read Victoria’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-fanny-adele-watson-1873-1947/  🎨 Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.
🔗 More to Explore:- Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ 
📣 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Women Making History and Toast to The Arts podcast channels. Discover more shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork